Boston Bimmer Column: Fun with Yogi in Calabogie

I’ve been going to Watkins Glen, Tremblant and NHMS every year for the past 10 years or so and even though I really enjoy these tracks, I was itching for a new challenge. I felt I was overdue: the One Lap of America tour, which I did in ’05, was the last opportunity I’d had to sample new exciting tracks.

Calabogie was top of my list as everyone who had driven it kept saying it’s a driver’s track and that it is very addictive. So this year I put it on my calendar bright and early and made sure to clear my work schedule in time for the event. Getting there is a bit of a hike: it was exactly 500 miles from my house. If you time the traffic right and only do one stop, you may be able to do it in 8 hours. If you are trailering or hit Montreal traffic, though, it can be a very long trip.
Calabogie is about 1 ¼ hours West of Ottawa, literally in the middle of nowhere. Small and not so small critters were spotted a few times over the weekend I attended. I even saw a little black bear just off the access road to the track. As soon as it saw me approaching, it turned around and trotted lazily into the woods. Lodging in the area is fairly inexpensive and the rooms are nice and clean at all motels. The locals are some of the nicest people you will meet anywhere. There isn’t much infrastructure around but then again, you are going there to drive. You can bring 24 beers per person through the border, and approximately 15-20 gallons of fuel in cans before tax. If you prefer, there is a gas station 5 minutes form the track. Oh, and remember to bring your passport!

After 3 days of driving at ‘Bogie, I can honestly say that it’s one of the most fun and addictive tracks I have driven (see track facts in the picture above).